Kazakhstan: corruption is proposed to be equated with high treason

The head of the Anti-Corruption Agency, Alik Shpekbaev, proposed equating corruption crimes with high treason. The head of the Anti-Corruption Agency said this at the meeting with the public and government officials in the city of Rudny in Kostanay region.

 “Anti-corruption legislation today sets high requirements for every leader,” Shpekbaev recalled at the meeting. “You must understand that the work of an entire state body depends on the focus on cleanliness and integrity, therefore it is important that leaders take active steps to eradicate any conditions for corruption. There are instruments for this; the main thing is a sincere desire. Corruption should be equated with high treason.”

 It should be noted that in the current Criminal Code of Kazakhstan, there is an article on high treason.

“High treason is a deliberate act of a citizen of the Republic of Kazakhstan, expressed in going over to the side of the enemy during an armed conflict, as well as espionage, issuing state secrets to a foreign state, international or foreign organization or their representatives, as well as otherwise assistance to them in carrying out activities against the national interests of the Republic of Kazakhstan,” the article notes.

The punishment for this criminal offense is quite severe – from ten to fifteen years with or without deprivation of citizenship of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

For corruption offenses, imprisonment is from 2 to 12 years maximum (depending on the article of the Criminal Code), as a rule, with life deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or certain activities. However, most often corrupt officials get off with only the payment of fines and restrictions on freedom. And those, who get a real term, serve it in comfortable conditions.